1985 Subaru GL recalls & problems

3 recalls 7 complaints 3 investigations

3recalls
7owner complaints
0crashes reported
0fires reported
0 / 0injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 1985 Subaru GL and 7 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is suspension (3 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (1). NHTSA has opened 3 defect investigations that include this vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

1985 Subaru GL recalls

Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 05E065000 · Oct 5, 2005

Problem: Certain spx filtran fuel filters with a 45-degree angle inlet tube, model 800F350-s1, sold as replacement filters for 1993-1997 ford probe,1993-2001 mazda 626 and mx-6, and 1983-1994 loyal, 3-door coupe, hatchback, sedan, wagon, brat, dl, gl, gl-10, rx, xt, and xt6 passenger vehicles with efi or turbo engines. These filters are packaged as wix, napa, and carquest brand fuel filters. Certain spx filtran fuel filters…

Risk: In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.

Fix: Spx will notify its customers and provide a full refund. The recall began september 27, 2005. Owners may contact mr. Chris greeson at 704-869-3733 or contact the wix information hotline at 800-949-6698.

42,962 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Suspension · NHTSA 92V001000 · Dec 2, 1992

Problem: The inner arms of the rear suspension are subject to corrosion in areas where road salt is used heavily in winter.

Risk: Operation and control of the vehicle can be adverselyaffected by corrosion of the inner control arms.

Fix: Rustproof or replace the inner control arms as necessary.

147,000 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Suspension · NHTSA 90V086000 · May 7, 1990

Problem: Continuous exposure to road salt could cause corrosion of rear suspension components, especially the inner arms.

Risk: The corrosion could affect the operation and control of the vehicle.

Fix: Rust proof or replace rear suspension, as necessary.

285,000 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

1985 Subaru GL problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension 3
 000
Engine and Engine Cooling 1
 000
Power Train 1
 000
Seat Belts 1
 000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 1
 000
Structure 1
 000
Vehicle Speed Control 1
 000
Wheels 1
 000

NHTSA investigations

Latest owner complaints

Power Train · Sep 29, 1999 · VA

While driving at 25mph or more vehicle would pull to the right. Also, cv boots have been replaced twice dealer still can't find a solution. *ak

Suspension · Sep 29, 1999 · VA

While driving at 25mph or more vehicle would pull to the right. Also, cv boots have been replaced twice dealer still can't find a solution. *ak

Suspension · Jan 14, 1998 · CT

Right rear wheel rotated to the near horizontal position, making the vehicle inoperatble.

Engine and Engine Cooling · Nov 18, 1996 · CA

Driving on freeway at 65 MPH, vehicle stopped suddenly in the fast lane, timing belt broke. *ak also front pads and rotors were replaced.*jb

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 18, 1996 · CA

Driving on freeway at 65 MPH, vehicle stopped suddenly in the fast lane, timing belt broke. *ak also front pads and rotors were replaced.*jb

Suspension · Jan 22, 1996 · CA

The lower control arm snapped at the weld while the car was moving and the whole left wheel came off. Please describe. Tt

Wheels · Jan 22, 1996 · CA

The lower control arm snapped at the weld while the car was moving and the whole left wheel came off. Please describe. Tt

Seat Belts · Jul 20, 1995 · CA

Passenger's side seat belt buckle failure, unable to latch seat belt. Tt

Vehicle Speed Control · May 12, 1995 · MI

W/manual transmission, vehicle experiences unwanted acceleration. Please describe details. Tt

Structure · Apr 19, 1995 · MD

Corrosion through out the frame. Tt

Other Subaru GL years

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1993

Frequently asked questions

Does the 1985 Subaru GL have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls covering the 1985 Subaru GL, the most recent one (05E065000) for fuel system, gasoline. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 1985 Subaru GL?

Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are suspension (3), engine and engine cooling (1), power train (1).

Is NHTSA investigating the 1985 Subaru GL?

NHTSA has opened 3 defect investigations that include this vehicle, most recently PE90055: Trailing arm corrosion.